The rosters aren’t close to being out yet, so this is all assumption on my part on who will be on the roster. I am going to list 4 players to watch for each team (assuming they are assigned where I believe they will be assigned) and give a quick reason or two to really watch this guy.
1. Jay Bruce - OF
Reason to watch - Bruce (photo: Tim Evearitt) is the best prospect in baseball, but there are a few things he could improve on. I don’t expect him to be in Louisville long, but while he is there he is the number 1 guy to keep an eye on both in terms of talent and in terms of importance.
2. Homer Bailey - RHP
Reason to wach - Bailey appears to be healthy this year aftet struggling with groin issues for the better part of last year. The pressure won’t be on him as much this year with a little more stability in the Reds rotation. Bailey could work on his control a little bit as well as his offspeed stuff (change up more than curve). Getting consistent is more important for Bailey than the overall results in Louisvile.
3. Josh Roenicke - RHP
Reason to watch - Roenicke could be the future closer, but he could step up as soon as this year to really add to the Reds bullpen. He will likely begin in Louisville as the closer to work on his overall stuff and get his innings in under pressure. Stuff wise, he is a top notch closing prospect but he could likely use a little seasoning before being put into situations under pressure in the majors.
4. Tyler Pelland - LHP
Reason to watch - Being a left handed relief prospect is something that the Reds could use if someone like Mike Stanton struggles at the big league level. This will be Pellands first full season as a reliever but he has already spent time in AAA with success. Having a strong season will really help boost the pressure on the Reds bullpen guys to succeed.
Yesterday I covered the Chattanooga Lookouts, Tuesday I covered the Sarasota Reds and Monday I coverd the Dayton Dragons. Tomorrow I plan on covering some of the other guys to keep an eye on for different reasons.
Thursday, 20. March 2008
Beyond Bruce & Bailey, Roenicki really has me excited as a power arm for the pen. When you think of what the future pen could look like you have him, Viola, Pelland, Burton, & Watson just off the top of my head. I think I heard Fisher was being moved to the pen full time this year also. That is six really good arms … especially nice that two of them are lefties.
Thursday, 20. March 2008
Speaking of Louisville, perhaps Stubbs will start off in AAA this year or make it there by years end … they have been giving daily updates of the Bats spring games on the Louisville home page and Drew has been hot. Tatum hit homer. And Janish & Rosales seem to get mentioned often about hitting well.
Thursday, 20. March 2008
Stubbs likely will start in Sarasota this year, but he has been killing the ball in AAA spring training. I don’t know if he gets to AAA this year, but I expect him to break out big time this year.
Thursday, 20. March 2008
Perhaps Stubbs will have a Bruce-esque like rise this year … end up in AAA when know one else expects him.
And on that note …
Its official, Bruce got sent down with 4 other players. I guess we knew that was coming.
Thursday, 20. March 2008
Yeah, that was bound to happen. The Reds still have too many players in camp though.
Thursday, 20. March 2008
Correct me if I’m wrong and I know this is not an exact science.
If Stubbs is in AAA during ST doesn’t that normally translate into a AA start?
Thursday, 20. March 2008
Generally it does, but Bruce was playing with those guys last year as well and started in High A. I don’t think the Reds would skip him to AA, although I personally wouldn’t mind seeing it.
Thursday, 20. March 2008
Me either since the Lookouts will be visiting Mobile here in the middle of the summer. Seeing Stubbs would be an added treat.